Council brings back candidate for interview

The Montgomery City Council moved closer to finalizing its choice for the open city administrator position on Tuesday, after a second interview with candidate Brian Heck.

The follow-up round of questions dealt with grant writing and the continuation of the plans for a new fire hall. Mayor Jean Keogh told Heck they hope, in part, that the legislature approves a request to be included in the state’s 2014 bonding program.

Councilor Tim Siebsen added that the city’s budget is relatively healthy now, so it would look toward grants, not tax hikes, to help bring the fire hall plan to fruition.

Heck asked about the 2014 budget, and responded to what he would focus on the first 90 days, if hired.

He said that, if he were offered the job, he would meet the staff, see where the city stands with its capital improvement plan, make a list of the most critical items, prioritize those and work from there.

Prior to the council’s second interview, it held a meet and greet with Heck as a way business, community and committee members to meet him.

Siebsen told the council his concerns with the candidate had been wrapped up, but before he cast his vote, he would like to see the results of Heck’s background check.

The council was told that they could expect to see that by next week.

The council is expected to make its decision at its November 7 council meeting.